“And because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” – Matthew 24:12

Our verse for today paints a concerning picture of a world where lawlessness and sin are rampant. As a result, people’s love for God and others grows cold. By predicting what was to come, Christ was equipping us with foreknowledge of the evil that the world will be subjected to, so we do not get caught off guard. Not only was this a prediction, it was also a clarion call urging us to stay grounded in faith and prioritize our relationship with Him.

The phrase “increase of wickedness” highlights the escalated nature of sin that will overwhelm our world. This can manifest in various ways, from moral decay to outright rebellion against God. The moral standards that once held our societies together have been broken down; in its place are “rights and privileges” that project superficial indulgences. As believers, we must remain vigilant and committed to our values, even when the world around us seems to be spiraling out of control.

In the face of growing wickedness, it’s essential to cultivate a deep, abiding love for God and others. This involves nurturing our faith through prayer, scripture, and community. By doing so, we can remain steadfast in our devotion to God, even when the world around us seems to be growing colder. May we prioritize our relationship with God and shine as beacons of hope in a world increasingly marked by sin and darkness ¹.